Delfi Neski, Padang – A total of 17 police officers are under investigation for violating standard operating procedures (SOP) in the arrest of several teenagers, which resulted in the death of 13-year-old Afif Maulana in West Sumatra. The officers are suspected of misconduct and will be brought to trial.

Chief of West Sumatra Regional Police, Inspector General Suharyono, along with the Chairman of the National Police Commission (Kompolnas) Benny Jozua Mamoto, the Padang Legal Aid Institute (LBH), the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), the Ombudsman, Afif Maulana's family, and several other witnesses held a closed meeting at the West Sumatra Regional Police headquarters on Friday.

Suharyono initially denied allegations that Afif Maulana died as a result of police mistreatment. According to him, no violence was committed by the police against the victim. A witness said that Afif had jumped from the Kuranji Bridge in Padang.

However, after examining 45 police officers, the Internal Affairs Division discovered violations of SOP in duty performance. Suharyono stated that 17 police officers are now under investigation.

"The proven violations include, among others, lighting a cigarette on the victim's body and other actions deemed to exceed their authority," he said on Friday.

Suharyono could not specify which victim received such harsh treatment from the officers as the investigation is still ongoing.

He promised to process the case transparently concerning the death of Afif Maulana, which was caused by procedural violations in performing their duties.

"Currently, the Internal Affairs Division of the West Sumatra Regional Police is preparing the case files to elevate this case to the next stage and bring the 17 officers to trial," concluded Suharyono.

Previously, Afif Maulana was found dead by residents, floating under the Kuranji Bridge in Padang on Sunday, June 9. It is suspected that several children and adults experienced mistreatment by officers of the West Sumatra Regional Police during a patrol to secure a gang fight. When found, there were bruises on the victim's back and abdomen.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/teens-death-leads-to-investigation-of-17-west-sumatra-police-officer